The attack occurred during Magrib prayers and resulted in the death of five worshippers, while several others sustained serious injuries.
A civil society group, Patriotic and Concerned Nigerian Citizens, has condemned the early morning attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The group expressed its position in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja and signed by its representative, Barrister Hamza N. Dantani, describing the incident as heartbreaking and calling on the Borno State government and security agencies to strengthen security around worship centres.
The attack occurred during Magrib prayers and resulted in the death of five worshippers, while several others sustained serious injuries.
“The people of Maiduguri and indeed the entire Borno State have once again been thrown into deep mourning following a tragic suicide bombing that occurred in a mosque, resulting in the untimely death of (7) seven innocent worshippers and left dozen with severe injuries,” the group said.
The Nigerian Army headquarters has confirmed that the attack was carried out by members of the Boko Haram insurgent group.
The group noted that the incident underscored the continued threat of terrorism in the North-East despite years of counter-insurgency efforts.
“This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder that despite years of military operations and counter-insurgency efforts, the menace of terrorism continues to threaten lives, peace, and religious harmony in the North-East,” the group read.
It further described the attack as a violation of religious sanctity and constitutional provisions, stating, “The victims were peaceful citizens who had gathered solely to worship, making the act not only a crime against humanity but also a violation of the sanctity of religion, which is purely in contravention of Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.”
The group extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Borno State Government.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims who lost their loved ones in this cruel and senseless attack. May the Almighty grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” it said.
“Our sympathy also goes to the Government of Borno State, His Excellency the Governor, HE, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and the resilient people of Borno State, who have endured years of violence yet continue to stand firm in the face of adversity,” the group added.
Patriotic and Concerned Nigerian Citizens also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take more decisive actions to address insecurity, particularly in relation to the reintegration of repentant insurgents.
“Particular attention must be paid to the ongoing reintegration of so-called ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members. While peace and rehabilitation are essential, security must never be compromised,” the group stated.
“Thorough screening, monitoring, and intelligence-driven assessments should be enforced to prevent infiltrations and renewed attacks,” it added.
The group further raised concerns about the activities of vigilante groups, warning against the circulation of arms among unauthorized individuals.
“The presence of individuals claimed to be repentant Boko Haram freely walking around in the metropolis with arms and ammunition in the name of security poses a serious risk and could further destabilize the fragile peace,” the group said.
“Only properly trained and authorized security personnel should bear arms, under strict supervision and accountability,” it added.
Citing constitutional provisions, the group emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property.
“The safety of lives and property must remain the highest priority. Section 14(2)(b) explicitly declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” it stated.
It also referenced Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, noting that it guarantees the right to life for every Nigerian citizen and underscores the government’s obligation to preserve life.
“In essence, the Constitution places the highest priority on security and welfare as the foundational principles of governance and also provides specific, enforceable fundamental rights to protect life and property,” the group said.
The group called on all tiers of government to enhance intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and ensure adequate protection of places of worship.
“We call on all levels of government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and ensure that places of worship are adequately protected.
“Only through sincere commitment, transparency, and decisive action can lasting peace be restored in Maiduguri and across Borno State,” the group noted.